mineral

Rutilated quartz bead bracelet

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with rutile inclusions (TiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; transparent to translucent honey-brown quartz with golden-brown needle-like rutile inclusions, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and indistinct cleavage. The beads are polished and drilled, so natural fracture and crystal form are obscured.

Identified August 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites, while rutile crystallized as inclusions during growth; specimens may range from Paleozoic to recent geological settings depending on locality. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and Pakistan.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for jewelry and ornamental beads; attractive, clear material with abundant golden rutile commands a premium. It has no significant industrial use in bracelet form.

Geological facts

Rutilated quartz is a variety of inclusion-bearing quartz, not a separate mineral species. Needle-like inclusions can be rutile, though similar-looking tourmaline or hematite may occur in other quartz specimens.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy quartz body and internal golden needles visible under magnification; quartz should scratch glass, while the inclusions remain enclosed rather than lying on the surface. Typical bracelet value is about $20–$150, with exceptionally clear, richly rutilated beads reaching $200–$500.